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Illinois State Military Museum Commemorates Black History Month

The Illinois State Military Museum is recognizing Black History Month by telling the stories of African-American soldiers who served during the Civil War and World War I.

The soldiers all were members of the Illinois National Guard.

Curator Bill Lear says the museum wants to recount pieces of history that may not be well known to Illinois residents. He says displays like these “help tell the complete story” of Illinois National Guard service.

In the museum lobby is a U.S. flag that the 29th U.S. Colored Troops — the only African-American regiment from Illinois — carried during the Civil War.